Pasta with Peas and Ham

Pasta with Peas and Ham is a comforting dish that combines tender pasta, sweet peas, and ham in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you’re craving something hearty yet simple. The dish balances the richness of the cream and Parmesan cheese with the freshness of the peas and the smoky, salty notes of the ham. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with different types of pasta or additional vegetables, making it a family-friendly. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh herbs for a touch of brightness, and enjoy a satisfying bite that’s both creamy and wholesome!

Pasta with Peas and Ham

Pasta with Peas and Ham is a quick, creamy, and comforting dish ready in 20-25 minutes. Cook pasta, sauté onions, garlic, ham, and peas, then simmer with cream and broth. Toss with pasta, Parmesan, and season. Serve hot!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 3

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz 340g pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup 150g cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup 150g frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup 240ml heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup 120ml chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta:

  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
• Sauté the aromatics:

  In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add ham and peas:

  Stir in the diced ham and thawed peas. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the peas are tender and the ham is lightly browned.
• Create the sauce:

  Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
• Combine pasta and sauce:

  Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
• Add cheese and season:

  Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve:

  Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.